North Antrim coast, N. Ireland

Natural scenery so good it’s TV famous, fantastic coastal and mountain roads, and the Giant’s Causeway

Roads to Ride: Take the A2 coast road north from Larne, mountains on one side and Irish Sea on the other. Turn onto the A43 at Waterfoot and into the Glens of Antrim, then back to the coast on the B14. Spice it up with the single-track loop of Torr Head. Places to stay: The classy Bayview Hotel, Portballintrae (from £159/night) has superb sea views. Hill Road B&B (£60) is bike-friendly and sits between the Antrim Coast and The Mourne Mountains. Food and Drink: The Central Bar, Ballycastle is a cosy restaurant. Their 10oz steak is £18. Mortons Fish and Chip Shop, Ballycastle sells locally-caught fish. Events: The North West 200 (13-19 May) and Armoy (27-28 July) are both close by. The annual Auld Lammas Fair in Ballycastle (27-28 August) is now 400 years old. Eddie Hampton